Today I did something I have never done before. I skipped with a skipping rope continuously. This might seem like an odd thing to write about as a thirty-something female, but it’s true. As a child I always shied away from skipping, opting to turn the rope (the job no one wants to do) to avoid having to try skipping. I always jumped too high or not fast enough. I was athletically talented, but skipping did not fit into that category.
Tonight, at my 11th Cross Fit training class I skipped 200 times with only a few breaks. It was amazing. I got into a groove, I focused and set my mind to it and I skipped. It was a breakthrough.
Cross Fit has challenged me to do things I would never dream of (and most I still have a long way to go still) like pull ups, push ups with rings, kettle bell swings, dead lifts, weight lifting moves, and many more. Each class I am continuously pushed outside of my comfort zone, challenged in ways I haven’t been challenged since I was rowing competitively. I have sweat more in that gym in three weeks than I have sweat in all the gyms and work outs combined over the last 10 years. It is exhausting and exhilarating. It is exactly the kind of workout I have been searching for. A workout that is so tough that all I can focus on and think about is form, strength, and counting reps. I never would have thought I would have joined Cross Fit, but I am so glad that I did.
I am very insecure about my body. I weigh approximately 120 lbs more than I did in high school. In high school I was slim, fit, confident and athletic. I was also hiding an eating disorder that has affected me my whole life. I am a binge eater. I spend most of my days being “good” and eating the proper food in the proper portions and about 2-5% (depending on stress levels) binging. I am ashamed of it. I hate the way my body looks and I wish I could be thinner. Much thinner.
While I know the person I was in high school is not the healthiest version of me, I know that I need to get this weight off. For my boys, but also for me.
I worry that my weight is holding me back in my career and my life. That I don’t take chances or ‘put myself out there’ like I used to. I know that my weight is affecting my relationship with some of the people I love most in this world.
I am committed to my fitness, I am conscious of my eating and tracking all food and water consumption. I know this is a journey but I can feel the strength coming back to my body. I know that I am so much stronger physically and mentally than I was fifteen years ago. It’s my time now to be the best version of me there is. People talk about New Year’s Resolutions, but I think a Fall resolution is also fitting. Mine is to commit to Cross Fit 3x a week and make conscious decisions about my food intake.
What are your Fall resolutions?
Very impressive! My fall goals are to tone up a bit, and most importantly wake up early! Things have gotten all crazy because we moved in with family and our routines are all messed up now. Boo!
I’m a new follower; hope you can stop by mamasmusingsblog.blogspot.com
Thank you for following Chloe.
Routine is so important to fit in fitness. Hope you can create some new ones!
Cross Fit sounds like a lot of work (but also a lot of fun!).
I’ve signed up for hot yoga, zumba and aquafit this fall to try to loose some baby weight. I fear not fitting into my work clothes come Jan!
Sarah Lynn – your classes sound awesome! Would love to do all of those. Trying to focus on one thing right now and then working towards others as I get more fit.
Those first months back to work were hard. I got my ‘baby weight’ off but all my clothes fit very differently. Pregnancy definitely changed my shape!
The cooler weather of fall usually means that I’m eating more rich and heavy foods :(. I dropped 4 dress sizes in two months this summer by watching my portions and cutting out soda alone! I’m committed to keeping that weight off as much as I can, so I hope to find healthier ways to eat the things I love or at the least continue to eat small portions. Keep up your fitness plan–you will reach your goal!
Thank you for the encouragement and congratulations on the dropping 4 dress sizes. Amazing!
I’ve signed up for hot yoga, zumba and aquafit. I NEED to fit into my work clothes come January. It’s going to be tight – both time AND my pants.
Where do you do cross fit?
I am so incredibly proud of you.
Thank you! It’s quite a journey.
I feel the same way about my body! I am not too happy with myself these days, so I am trying to get back into shape. It’s tough, but I am prepared and determined to stick at it. Can’t keep feeling like this about myself, so not good for my self esteem.
Your 200 skips is so impressive. I can’t even do 50 without thinking I am going to pass out! One day, hopefully, I can reach to that level.
Totally on your side and supporting you! You can do it!
xo Tami
Thank you Tami. That means so much! :)
Hey girl, thanks for joining in on the Friday Chaos blog party! So glad you linked up with us, and I get to follow you! Wahoo!
I also wanted to let you know about a coffee mug swap that I am hosting. It is a different spin on the idea that lets you get to know other bloggers better. And you get a pretty new mug just in time for fall! Score! Friday is the last day to sign up and I would absolutely love to have you. I am hoping to get 50 swappers, the more the merrier! Here is where you can get all the deets and sign up to join: http://yellowumbrelladesign.blogspot.com/2012/08/coffee-mug-swap.html
Love bloggin’ with ya. Talk to you soon :D
Dalayna
Dalayna, what a fantastic idea! A coffee mug swap sounds great!
I often think how nice it would be to skip rope, ya know, like the boxer’s do when they train…
But I’ve two problems. And they lie right on my chest!! No matter how secure my bra is, I still have a random act of a potential knock-out. So I guess in a way I would be training like a boxer?!!?
This Fall I am looking forward to drinking more water and getting back into the act of moving, since I haven’t done much of that since I had my son.
Coming over from the Weekend Showcase!
Jessica
http://www.thegetfitmom.com
Wonderful to ‘meet’ you Jessica. Thank you for stopping by!
Great idea to drink more water! I definitely need to do that.
Very impressed. I need to start working out.
Thanks for linking up at Friday Chaos this week
Have a nice weekend
Kerry
Thank you for stopping by. Working out is hard to find time for. I sure hope I can stick to my ‘new’ schedule!
That is a great start!!! Now if I just had your energy to do the same…..I’ve gained some weight over the years–I know I need to do something about it but I just can’t seem to get motivated. Too busy blogging!! Lol! Newest GFC follower from the blog hop. Would love it if you could visit and follow back on my GFC. Thanks for sharing!
Motivation is the hardest part. Heading over to your blog now!
my husband really wants me to join him in cross fit but i feel like i could never do it!
Happy Friday! Stop by and say hello! :)
nichollvincent.blogspot.com
Give it a try! Make sure your club/gym has a training program. Cross Fit without proper technique = injury!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hey!
Stopping by from SITS this morning. :) My husband was deployed from Oct 2011 – May 2012 and I determined I was going to lose all my baby weight and more. I started using My Fitness Pal (life-saver!) to count my calories and keep track of my water consumption. I lost 25 lbs total and very happy with the results. You can do it You just have to set your mind to it! I would also like to say 120 is a very healthy weight that is actually my goal weight. Try and find a website that will tell you what your healthy weight zone should be for a person of your size and height, that will help you have a good goal! :)
Thanks Kathryn. Good tips! I have been using My Fitness Pal on and off, this is a good reminder to get back to it.
Thank you for stopping by!
I say start when you’re ready. And it sounds like you’re ready! You go girl! Way to get moving. Best wishes.
Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you! I am ready! Ready to take it on :)
The commitment to exercise is a good one! And skipping rope can make it sort-of fun, although after 200 skips, I don’t think I’d like it much anymore!
Yes, Rachel, it does get a bit tiring, but then you are amazed at how many you have done and just want to keep going!
I am committing to completing the Insanity series of workouts this autumn. Eek!!
Sarah
http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/
Sarah, the insanity series looks, well, insane! Keep me updated on your progress!
This is great! Love skipping, but freestyle without the rope:) Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration. Thanks for linking up with Simply Better today.
Thank you Leslie! Hope you can link up to one of my new blog hops soon. :)
Hi, I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to read your post last weekend do to Labor Day stuff, but I am reading them this weekend from the Blog Post Showcase. Congrats on getting back into the grove with your new work out! I will do this in a few months when I stop nursing and can focus on getting my body back after baby.